I have a private web application that somehow, a large company gained access to (used). This is a web based app and resides on a page that is hidden from the search engines, but not password protected. It is now. The company wrote me asking if I would be interested in selling the app (they would brand it). I have never gone down this route and am wondering what things I should consider? Does anyone out there have experience in this area? Anyone with advice? Two ideas so far: Sell it outright – give them the source code and they do whatever. No reoccurring income for me, but no requirement to support as well. License it – Give them the source, they make improvements and send them back to me as well as receiving income every year, etc.
depending on price and time. If you have the tiome to mantain it, and they are offering enough to keep you going, go the licence route. Remember, once you charge them, they'll be a hell of a lot more demanding and strict on bugs/deadlines. if you don't have time/resources, sell them the source (try to keep resell rights, so you might be able to do this again). If they want exclusive rights, charge them through the roof. If you go the source route, sign an IRONCLAD agreement that they HAVE to pay you right away. Otherwise they might try and mess you around after they look at the code and decide that they don't like it (but steal it anyway). The third option is to see if they will offer you a job as the project manager on that project. In either way, I'm not suggesting btu I'm TELLING you to get a laywer on your side. They know that you are one person and they are a big entity so they will try and take you for a sucker even if you are selling to the salvation army.
Thanks for taking the time to write! I think I would rather sell it outright and keep the resell rights. Support sounds very time consuming! I will make sure the contract is IRONCLAD and will not release source without a signed contract and money. Any other good advice?